How To Clean Ice Machine: The DIY Method That’s Better Than Paying for a Service!

Commercial ice machines, also known as commercial icemakers are indispensible for many businesses, including hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, cafes, pubs, etc. These machines generate significant amount of ice in different sizes and shapes, like as flake ice, cube ice, plate ice, etc. However, these machines need regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure proper hygiene and peak performance. Cleaning the ice maker regularly ensures your guests always get fresh, clean ice for their preferred drinks. The first-time users often ask when the right time is to clean these ice makers and how to clean ice machine. The answer to this question is when you find that the ice cubes are coming out cloudy; you must clean the unit immediately.

So, if you are looking for effective ways of how to clean ice machine, then this blog delves into the most effective and proper ways to clean and maintain commercial ice machines.

Now let’s have a look at the simple and effective ways to clean your commercial ice machine daily, weekly, and monthly.

Daily Cleaning of Commercial Ice Machines

It is one of the most vital and basic steps to maintain the sanitation and cleanliness of the industrial ice maker machine. This process includes wiping down the surfaces and sanitizing the ice storage bin of the machine. This step will prevent the accumulation of bacteria, dust, or dirt on the machine and affecting the quality of ice. Besides, regular cleaning will also help you to identify the potential issues with the devices early on so that you can take corrective actions accordingly.

Here are the steps associated with how to clean ice machine daily:

1. Start with disconnecting the water and power supply
2. Use a gentle detergent and a soft sponge or cloth to wipe down the exterior surfaces of the machine. Don’t use any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can corrode or scratch the machine.
3. Next, rinse the surfaces thoroughly with clean water and dry them using a clean towel.
4. Sanitize the ice storage bin using a food-grade sanitizer maintaining the manufacturer’s guidelines. Make sure that the container is well-drained and rinsed before it is refilled with ice.
5. Then clean the ice dispenser or scoop with soap and hot water and store it in a clean container.
6. Thoroughly check the water filter and replace it if required.

Weekly and Monthly Cleaning of Commercial Ice Machines

Apart from cleaning the commercial ice cube maker machine regularly, you must clean it comprehensively on a monthly or weekly basis, based on the water quality and usage. These include cleaning the condenser coils and descaling the evaporator plates. All these components cool and freeze the water into ice. They will also keep the machine free from dirt buildup or scales that could hinder the performance. You will need tools like a descaling solution, a spray bottle, a brush, a hose, a bucket, a vacuum cleaner, a screwdriver, and a soft cloth.

Here are the steps associated with how to clean ice machine weekly:

1. Start with disconnecting the water and power supply.
2. Remove the front panel of the ice making machine to access the condenser coils and evaporator plates.
3. Mix the descaling solution with water according to the instructions of the manufacturer and fill a spray bottle.
4. Apply that ice maker cleaner solution to the evaporator plates and keep it for 15 minutes.
5. Use a brush to scrub off the residue or scale from the plates.
6. Rinse the plates with clean water by using a bucket or hose.
7. Repeat it for the condenser coils.
8. Use vacuum cleaner for eliminating dirt or dust from the coils.
9. Then dry the coils and plates with a soft cloth.
10. Reattach the front panel of the machine.

Now that you are aware of how to clean ice machine, the next step is how to sanitize and disinfect the machine.

Sanitizing and disinfecting the commercial ice makers are important in ensuring their safety and hygiene. Besides, it is an important step to follow when we talk about how to take care ice machines. Sanitizing is all about reducing the total number of risky microorganisms on a surface to the safe level. On the contrary, the disinfecting process involves eliminating different organisms on the surface. Here the steps to sanitize and disinfect commercial ice machines Australia:

1. Start with disconnecting the water and power supply.
2. Drain the remaining ice or water from the machine and remove all the removable parts from the machine.
3. Mix water with a disinfecting or sanitizing solution as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
4. Fill the bucket with this solution and then immerse the removable parts for 10 minutes or according to the manufacturer’s directs.
5. Apply the solution to the machine’s interior surfaces like on the condenser coils, evaporator plates, ice chute, and the ice storage bin by using a spray bottle. Let the solution sit for 10 minutes or according to the manufacturer directs.
6. Rinse all the surfaces and parts thoroughly with clean water and then dry them with a clean towel.
7. The last part of How to clean ice machine is to reassemble and reconnect the machine with the water and power supply.

FAQ:

• What is the best way to clean an ice maker?

  The best way to how to clean ice machine is by using a solution of mild soap and warm water. For removing the mineral buildup or for deeper cleaning, you must use a dedicated ice machine cleaner as per the manufacturer’s instruction and then thoroughly rinse with clean water.

• Can you run vinegar through an ice machine to clean it?
  

  Yes, you can run vinegar through the ice machine to clean it. When it comes to how to clean ice machine, vinegar is considered as a food-safe alternative.

• How often should an ice machine be deep cleaned?
  

  According to common rules, the ice machines must be deep cleaned once every six months to prevent the buildup of mold, bacteria, and mineral deposits and to ensure the effective operation of the machine.

• How to clean a portable ice maker with vinegar?
  

  For cleaning a portable ice maker with vinegar, prepare a mix made of one part vinegar and one part warm water. Once the machine is completely wiped, dry it thoroughly with a clean and dry dish towel.

• How to clean ice maker without vinegar?
  

  If you are looking for ways how to clean ice machine without vinegar, then use a solution of mild dish soap and warm water to wipe the accessible areas down. For deeper cleaning, use a cleaning solution like baking soda paste or lemon juice diluted in water for the stubborn spots. Then use clean water for rinsing the parts.

• How do you deep clean a refrigerator ice maker?
  

  If you want to know how to clean ice maker deeply, you must empty the ice bin, remove and clean the water filter, and wipe the accessible parts down with a solution made of white vinegar and warm water (10:1 ratio). For removable parts, take them apart and separately wash them with dish soap and water.

• How do you get rid of the smell in an ice maker?
  

  To get rid of the smell in the ice maker, you must clean it thoroughly, flush the water lines, or change the water filter. Also you need to read how to choose the best ice machine.

• Why is my ice maker so dirty?
  

  The ice maker often becomes dirty because of the buildup of bacteria, mold, mineral deposits, and other contaminants from the water supply. These things usually accumulate over time if the machine is not cleaned regularly.